Saturday, April 17, 2010

Revisiting a Serendipity

The English author Horace Walpole coined the word serendipity. In a letter of January 28, 1754, Walpole says that "this discovery, indeed, is almost of that kind which I call 'Serendipity,' a very expressive word." Walpole formed the word on an old name for Sri Lanka, "Serendip." He explained that this name was part of the title of "a silly fairy tale, called 'The Three Princes of Serendip': as their highnesses traveled, they were always making discoveries, by accidents and sagacity, of things which they were not in quest of...." 
During our cousin weekend, on a lovely afternoon, we visited Wing Haven. It is just what it is called––a haven for birds in a beautiful three acre garden, with paths begging to be wandered. But we didn't know about the big bucks party being readied for that evening. Donors, patrons, the board ... some important people were going to have a smashing gala when twilight settled in. 
With pure delight we gazed upon elegant table settings under a green tinted tent. We "admired 'til we were tired" ... and took some neat photos. It was, without a doubt, a "serendipity."



See Chari's Happy to Design for more Sunday reposts and Little Red House  for Monday Mosaics.

27 comments:

  1. Perfect description of Serendipity!

    Thank you so much for stopping by.

    Carol

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  2. My word, birds of a feather are we. I was telling our oldest daughter and husband just yesterday of my need for Seredipity...happy accidents.

    You are a sweetie! Just sayin'! :)

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  3. That must have looked so amazing at twilight because it is fabulous in the daylight.

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  4. I would love to see that party at night. What great pictures you captured.

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  5. What an elegant setting. Would have been so nice to see the guests dressed up and the food served.
    I can see why you like to look at these photos every so often.
    Judith

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  6. An absolute STUNNING setting.
    Beautiful and thanks for sharing it all.

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  7. Beautiful outdoor setting -- although if it's one of those Jillion-Dollar-A-Plate fundraisers, I'd want more elbow room at the table! Might close place settings.

    It's gorgeous, though, and yes indeed -- true serendipity that you happened upon it.
    Have a lovely Sunday -- Cass

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  8. Anonymous12:15 PM

    Gorgeous images of a most serendipitous day!
    :)

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  9. What a beautiful setting, thanks for sharing again!

    Leann

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  10. What a beautiful setting! Kinda like a fairy tale!

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  11. Hi Ms.P...

    Ohh my...what an absolutely gorgeous setting! It must have been one fabulous gala...that's for certain! I love all that pretty soft pink with the silver...ohh, and the pretty light green of the tent! Girlfriend, the pink tablecovings are "to die for"...love that pretty sewn diamond pattern! Simply gorgeous!!! Thank you sooo much for sharing this with us today for Sunday Favorites...it's fabulous...what dreams or fairy tales are made of! By the way, I didn't know that is how the word "serendipity" originated! Fascenating!!!

    I hope that you're having a super Sunday, Darlin'!
    Chari @Happy To Design

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  12. Looks like a beautiful setting and a wonderful party.

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  13. I love the setting. How romantic. Gorgeous post.

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  14. Lovely, the setting is very elegant. Great mosaic. Take care:)

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  15. This is so wonderfully elegant. Nice photos too.

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  16. Beautiful table settings, and you picked great pictures for your mosaic.

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  17. Anonymous8:49 PM

    Oh how I love the word 'serendipity'. My husband and I were married 2 1/2 years ago and the honeymoon cottage we stayed in was named Serendipity... so it has meaning for me.

    Such a lovely mosaic!

    Di
    The Blue Ridge Gal

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  18. Loved the movie "Serendipity". What a beautiful setting and I can imagine what a beautiful event it must have been.

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  19. Wow! I must have been some party. Lots of dishes to wash there. Valerie

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  20. Serendipitous, indeed! What a beautiful setting. Thanks for sharing at MM. :)

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  21. Gorgeous table, so elegant and pretty! Enjoyed your mosaic!

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  22. Romantic setting, beautiful mosaics. What a treat to come upon such a lovely table.

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  23. Everything looked so pretty. The colours and the setting are wonderful. Great mosaic.

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  24. I love words and language - thanks for the info on the origins of the word serendipity - fascinating!

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  25. What a beautifully set table...I enjoyed all your photos of the loveliness.

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  26. How nice of them to set up that lovely vignette just for you to have a photo op! (tee hee)

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  27. Winghaven's Plant sale is this week.

    that is so beautiful.

    It reminds me of Victoria Magazine!

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I enjoy the conversations that come with comments!

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